biome

[ bahy-ohm ]

noun

, Ecology.

1. a complex biotic community characterized by distinctive plant and animal species and maintained under the climatic conditions of the region, especially such a community that has developed to climax.

biome

/ ˈbaɪˌəʊm /

noun

1. a major ecological community, extending over a large area and usually characterized by a dominant vegetation See formation

biome

/ bī′ōm′ /

1. A large community of plants and animals that occupies a distinct region. Terrestrial biomes, typically defined by their climate and dominant vegetation, include grassland, tundra, desert, tropical rainforest, and deciduous and coniferous forests. There are two basic aquatic biomes, freshwater and marine, which are sometimes further broken down into categories such as lakes and rivers or pelagic, benthic, and intertidal zones.

Word History and Origins

Origin of biome¹

First recorded in 1915–20; bi- ² + -ome, indicating a mass or part of something ( -oma )

Word History and Origins

Origin of biome¹

C20: from bio- + -ome

Example Sentences

"However, in our study, we concentrated on three measures that exclusively apply within the Amazon biome and came into force from 2006."

From Science Daily

"There are new cultures and settings and creatures, and new biomes," he said.

From BBC

“It’s a fear factor. It’s an opinion factor. It’s based on 19th century evidence. It’s absolutely ridiculous,” she said, citing research that shows healthy gut biomes and breast milk provide immune system benefits.

From Los Angeles Times

The boreal forests form a single biome that spans the entire Northern Hemisphere.

From Science Daily

Marine and terrestrial biomes face critical tipping points, while escalating challenges to food and water access foreshadow a bleak outlook for global security.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• ecosystem
• habitat